You really want to take a meal to a friend in need, but you’re not certain how you will find the time. Don’t let a busy schedule keep you from taking a meal to a friend. In the end, you will both be glad that you did!

Soft Tacos - The options with this meal are limitless. All you will need are:

You can make the filling the day prior to taking your meal by following the directions on the back of the seasoning packet. Individually package the toppings - small containers or Ziploc bags work great. Add some tortilla chips/salsa and the result is a delicious, colorful meal!

Baked Potato Bar - Did you know you could bake potatoes in your crock pot? Pierce clean baking potatoes with a fork and wrap them in aluminum foil. You can cook them in your covered crock pot on low for 8-10 hours and they are perfectly done. This works for sweet potatoes as well. Baked potatoes and a variety of toppings make a fabulous meal. Toppings you might consider sending along are butter, sour cream, bacon bits, chives, black beans (rinsed), steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, etc.

Pizza - Most stores sell fresh or frozen pizza dough (you can also find pre-baked crusts, but we prefer the unbaked dough). You might want to keep an eye out as you're shopping, so you know where you can find it. You can make a round pizza, but rectangular pizzas in foil pans work great as well (dough for one round pizza makes two pizzas in rectangular foil pans). Pick up some pizza sauce/mozzarella cheese and you're basically done. Your can use shredded mozzarella or you can slice fresh mozzarella. We recommend taking the pizza ready to bake and send along the toppings (pepperoni, peppers, mushrooms, or whatever else you think the family may enjoy).

Rotisserie Chicken - So many grocery stores carry rotisserie chickens now. Pick up a bag of nice salad greens and add some colorful vegetables (carrots, red peppers, cherry tomatoes). With the addition of the salad and some fresh bread, you have a lovely meal. Another use of a rotisserie chicken if you have a bit more time is this delicious chicken salad recipe.

7 ingredient chili - This is a fantastic, healthy chili is made with only 5 ingredients if you happen to have cumin and chili powder in your spice cabinet. We started making this recipe a few years ago and it’s a now one of our staples. Send along some shredded cheese, sour cream, and a loaf of bread to complete this comforting meal. Click here for the recipe.

Oven Roasted Vegetables and Chicken - This meal is going to make your friends think you are a chef. You really don’t have to share how easy it is. Pick up some simple ingredients (you might need a list for this one, but it’s worth it):

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Place cubed potatoes and onion in a 9x13 foil pan. Add 4 whole garlic cloves (unpeeled), quartered lemon, and thyme to pan. Whisk together oil and vinegar and mix into potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 50 minutes. When 25 minutes remain, stir in cubed chicken. I prefer using boneless chicken when I cook, so this recipe is an adaptation of this recipe.

Many of us have busy lives and it’s hard to carve out time to make a meal even when our heart desires to do so. We hope these recipes show you how simple ingredients and just a little time can result in a memorable meal.